Nation to double LNG equipment imports

China, the world's largest gas importer, is set to double the import of liquefied natural gas equipment in the next five years, after shipments of the clean fuel doubled in the last two years on Beijing's concerted efforts to reduce carbon emissions, said a new industry report.

According to the Shell LNG Outlook 2019, China's LNG imports have played a significant role in absorbing the world's near-term supply growth. Continued need for investment in supply chains, however, is necessary to meet the long-term demand growth, said Maarten Wetselaar, director for integrated gas and new energy at Royal Dutch Shell PLC.

Coal-to-gas switching was the main reason for the substantial improvement in Beijing's air quality during the last five years, he said.